ableadjective
uk/ˈeɪ.bəl/us/ˈeɪ.bəl/able adjective (CAN DO)
be able to do sth
More examples
- I've never been able to do crosswords.
- Dr Jones is very busy but I'm sure she'll be able to see you tomorrow.
- Will you be able to carry all the shopping back home on your bike?
- He was able to lead a normal life, despite the illness.
- Irene won't be able to play in the match on Saturday.
A2 to have the necessary physical strength, mental power, skill, time, money, or opportunity to do something:
Will she be able to cope with the work?
He's never been able to admit to his mistakes.
I'm sorry that I wasn't able to phone you yesterday.
It's so wonderful being able to see the sea from my window.
be better able to do something
to find it easier to do something:
Get a good night's sleep and you'll feel better able to cope.
Thesaurus: synonyms and related words
Skilled, talented and able
- ably
- accomplished
- adept
- adroit
- all-around
- clutch
- gifted
- handy
- have a nice, good, etc. line in sth idiom
- have inner resources idiom
- have sth down to a fine art idiom
- intimate 1
- practised
- preen
- proficient
- proficiently
- qualified
- resource
- slick
- workmanlike
See more results »
able adjective (SKILFUL)
C2 intelligent or good at what you do:
an able child/student/secretary
This problem is now being looked at by some of the ablest minds/scientists in the country.
Thesaurus: synonyms and related words
Skilled, talented and able
- ably
- accomplished
- adept
- adroit
- all-around
- clutch
- gifted
- handy
- have a nice, good, etc. line in sth idiom
- have inner resources idiom
- have sth down to a fine art idiom
- intimate 1
- practised
- preen
- proficient
- proficiently
- qualified
- resource
- slick
- workmanlike
See more results »